Celebrate World Post Day Every October 9
On October 9 we celebrate World Post Day.
This day marks the anniversary of the Universal Postal Union (UPU), established on that date in 1874 in Bern, Switzerland.
At the time it was called the General Postal Union. And it was established as part of the Treaty of Bern. This Treaty made it simpler to exchange mail between countries. Before the Treaty, international mail delivery was a confusing mess.
The Union’s name changed to the Universal Postal Union 4 years later, because its membership had grown so quickly. Its original membership was 22. Now it’s more than 190.
The UPU Congress declared the day as World Post Day in 1969.
Why World Post Day?
To create awareness of how the postal service affects our personal and business lives every day … Or at least most days?
Yes, the postal service really does make a positive contribution to both social and economic development in countries around the world.
More than 150 countries celebrate this day every year.
Scroll down for some ideas on celebrating this holiday.
Ideas For Celebrating World Post Day
Official activities around this day are usually limited to countries’ postal services. They may:
- Make it a working holiday
- Introduce new services or products on this day
- Issue new stamps and cancellation marks
- Reward employees for their service
Participating countries generally display World Post Day posters in public places. There may even be conferences, workshops, and recreational activities.
If you’re a postal employee, take part in whatever your employer has planned.
If not, thank your postal carrier today (or tomorrow if the 9th happens to fall on a Sunday or other non-delivery day in your area).
If you’re a stamp collector, check to see what new stamps are being issued today. (Yes, serious and long-time collectors probably already know this. But newer collectors may not!).
Will you be celebrating World Post Day this year? How?
